Dr. Kevin Hewitt is a full time Professor in the Department of Physics & Atmospheric Science, Associate Dean of Equity and Inclusion in the Faculty of Science, and former chair of Senate (2015-2021) at Dalhousie University. In the classroom, Dr. Hewitt strives to link physics to the everyday lives of the learner. In his molecular imaging lab, he's developing novel nanoparticle probes for bioimaging and treatment, optical imaging approaches combining holography and Raman spectroscopy, and a prototype medical diagnostic tool for liver transplantation and uterine fibrosis applications. Completing his B. Sc. Physics & Biology at the University of Toronto (1992), he received the UofT Physics prize.
At Dalhousie, he unified his deep abiding interests in science and community engagement by co-founding (in 2003) the award-winning Imhotep's Legacy Academy, a STEM outreach program for black students from junior high to university levels. He's featured in Cool Black North, a film which explores the unique and vibrant Canadian black community. Dr. Hewitt recently co-edited a special issue of Physics in Canada (PiC 77.1), Inclusion for Excellence: The physics community in Canada.
He's been recognized provincially with a Youth Community Service Award in British Columbia (1999) and was the Nova Soctia Discovery Centre Science Champion (2018), nationally with the Harry Jerome Award for Professional Excellence (2014), and NSERC Award for Science promotion (2021), and within Dalhousie the Rosemary Gill award for service to students (2021).